The Aymara Indians of Bolivia and Peru by F. A. STAHL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 29, 1910

The Aymara Indians of Bolivia and Peru

By F. A. STAHL

F. A. STAHL

There are about one hundred fifty thousand of these people, Peru claiming fifty thousand, and Bolivia the remainder. The Aymara Indians are naturally a strong, sturdy race, the severe climate and their rough way of living allowing only those to live who are strong. But the use of alcohol and coca is making terrible inroads among them. Diseases which were unknown a few years ago are now cutting them down in great numbers.

From our first meeting with them in La Paz, we have been interested in this people. The more we have seen their need, the greater our interest has grown. A few weeks ago, I received a letter from Elder A. N. Allen, of Peru, asking me to work with him among the Aymara Indians at Puno, Peru, a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the border-line between Bolivia and Peru. Some at this place had accepted the truth through the efforts of one of their number reading our literature, and then instructing the others.

After consulting Elder J. W. Westphal, I met Brother Allen at Puno, and together we labored among these people. When they received word that we were coming, hundreds came out to meet us, some carrying flags, giving us a most hearty welcome. After each one had embraced us, a custom the people have, which takes some time where there are several hundred to deal with, they called for a meeting. The first meeting lasted from 9 A. M. to 4 P. M., with one hour's intermission for lunch. The speaking was done through interpreters, of whom there were two. The interest these people manifested was intense. At times they could not contain themselves, and would repeat aloud the words spoken, not once but many times. Every day the interest increased. We received invitations from other villages to speak and instruct them. They compelled us to stay longer than we had planned, the people coming for miles around.

At one place we were invited to speak in their church. This church we dedicated to the worship of the true God. It belongs to the people, and has been used for years as a place in which to worship images. The people have now cleaned these out.

They brought many sick for us to treat, and we visited others at their homes. God blessed this work, and many were healed, not so much on account of what we did as in answer to earnest prayer. In one place a father called for us. We found his daughter ill with typhoid pneumonia, struggling for life. We told them to take the fire out at once, as the place was full of smoke; then we instructed the mother how to care for her daughter, showing her how to use the chest compress and give the cool sponge. We also advised her to give the patient plenty of cold, pure water to drink (this had been withheld), and also instructed her as to her diet. Then Brother Allen and I invited the father and mother, with others who were there, into this rude hut, and prayed for the life of this daughter. God heard and answered, and has restored her to her happy parents.

Not far from this place, we were led to another hut. As our eyes became used to the dim light, we were almost overcome by the sight that met our eyes. On the floor on one side of the hut lay a woman dying. At her feet lay two very sick children. On the other side lay a man groaning in agony, and at his feet lay another child very sick. The whole family was ill with typhoid. The floor of the hut was covered with filth. In one corner was a pile of decaying food. Near the sick children were placed bowls of chopped pork. We could not stay in the place longer than two or three minutes at a time. The father and three children were moved to a clean hut, and placed upon a milk diet, and given pure water to drink. When last heard from, they were improving. The mother died a few hours after our first visit.

All this sickness is the result of ignorance. The people are calling for instruction, and are willing to follow it when given. Can we withhold it from them? We treated fifty sick persons, and promised to do all we could for them in the future.

We asked them if they wanted schools for their children. Almost with one voice was heard, “Waliki,” “Waliki” (Good, Good). “Will you help to build these schools?” was asked. “Hisa,” “Hisa” (Yes, Yes), they all responded.

The people brought us eggs, potatoes, cheese, etc., and nothing would satisfy them until we had taken these things. During a meeting, those who came in late would go right up to the speaker and embrace him. But this would not interrupt the meeting. Elder Allen baptized fifteen faithful persons. The weather was cold, and a light snow was falling, but they did not mind this. They were happy in the thought that God loved them, and that they could also follow in the footsteps of the dear Saviour. It was a new thing to them to hear that God really loved them; they had never realized this before. There was no irreverence at this baptism; it was a most impressive scene. The children, as well as the adults, were in a spirit of prayer.

A few days after this, we bade them farewell. About a hundred accompanied us for several miles, many being in tears. Not long afterward, the priests influenced the authorities to arrest fifteen of these young men because they met us with flags. What the outcome of this will be, we do not know, but we have faith to believe it will only strengthen the cause of truth. Brethren and sisters, remember these Aymara Indians in your prayers, that God may send them faithful teachers.

Following is a song in the Aymara language, with its translation into English:—

“Mojgsa Jesus Auki, Hamki munamti; Wawaman almapa, Mankgan chhactanapa.

“Unttastua Diosay, Huchan cancat ajga; Khuyapayasikima Aca huchctoratiga.”

“Sweet Jesus mine, Look on me, a sinner; My soul is lost, For sin is mortal.

“My God, thou knowest me. I am frail; I also acknowledge, Thy great kindness.”